Game

ABSTRACT

Provided is a game that relies on virtual synthesis of compounds based on building blocks for these compounds, such as the elements of the periodic table.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of games.

BACKGROUND SECTION OF THE INVENTION

Videogames are very popular. These games are played on all sorts of devices, from dedicated game machines, desktop or laptop computers, and most recently on mobile devices such as tablet computers and smart phones.

A problem with videogames is that they have little or no educational value. Some of the games that do have education value are based on the periodic table (U.S. Pat. No. 7,490,834; U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,324; US Publ. 2006/0273507). Most periodic table games deal with teaching, typically a student, the identity of the elements of the periodic table. These games, however, have too much emphasis on education of the elements of the periodic table, and do tend to become boring overtime.

There is a need in the prior art for a game based on the elements in the periodic table that goes beyond teaching the elements of the periodic table, and is exciting enough to grab the attention of a user.

SUMMARY SECTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, provided is a method for playing a game comprising:

a) assigning building blocks for synthesis of compounds to one or more players;

b) virtually synthesizing compounds for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player;

c) assigning a value to each synthesized compound;

d) updating and displaying score of each player based on the value assigned to the compound. The building blocks can be elements of the periodic table. The value assigned to a synthesized compound can be based on one or more of the following: Atomic weight of the element, Molecular weight of the element, complexity of the synthesized compound, prevalence of the compound in nature, probability of virtually synthesizing the compound, demand and market worth of compound, application and usage of compound, danger posed to society by the compound. Each factor can be numerically weighted. The game can be played through a communication network. Each building block can have a value, and a player can buy building blocks according to credit allotted to the player. The building blocks can be randomly assigned to each player. The synthesis can comprise randomly combining the building blocks to obtain compounds. Each element or synthesized compound can be assigned a value in Bits, Decimal, Binary or Hexadecimal. The player can introduce a bias in the synthesis. The method can comprise a preliminary step of logging in to an account on a server to play the game. The game can be played with a periodic table graphic interface.

In one embodiment, provided is a system for playing a game, comprising:

a database on a server having a plurality of compound building blocks;

a program accessing the server for virtually synthesizing compounds for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player, for assigning a value to each synthesized compound, and for updating and displaying score of each player based on the value assigned to the compound.

In one embodiment, provided is a casino game played on a casino gaming machine, comprising:

a) receiving money or credit that is convertible to money from one or more players;

b) assigning building blocks for synthesis of compounds to one or more players based on the money or credit received from the player;

c) virtually synthesizing compounds for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player;

d) assigning a value to each synthesized compound;

e) updating and displaying score of each player based on the value assigned to the compound; and

f) allowing the player to add more money or credit, or to cash out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a player's graphic user interface with a periodic table design.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top level diagram of the game system architecture.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a flow chart that is an overview of playing the game.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a trading platform.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a casino machine playing the game of the present invention.

DETAILED SECTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for virtual synthesis of compounds based on building blocks for these compounds, particularly the elements (3) present in the periodic table (2). One or more players (5) are assigned particular elements (3). This assignment can be based on the players picking certain elements (32) or by random assignment (35). A program (25) then virtually synthesizes compounds based on the elements each player has. Each compound that is synthesized (37) is given a value based on one or more different criteria (38). The value of the compound is then added to a player's score (4) and the game can continue indefinitely, or can end when a certain score is met, time lapses, or a player quits.

The game is an interactive game which can be played with one or more players (5, 17), or only a computing device playing against itself. The game can be played over a communication network (15), e.g., the internet or intranet. Multiple players can play against each other over the communication network (15).

The game can be played on any computing device (16). The game can be developed as a software interactive game for personal computer, tablet computers, mobile devices and phones and, game console platforms. The mobile phone version can be available as downloadable cell phone application or direct cell phone access to the game server over the internet or intranet. Players may choose to download the game or access the game directly on a main server (24). Access to full function of the game can require charging of a fee. The game can be played as a board game with a computing device that virtually synthesizes compounds. An electronic board unit may be developed specifically for the game. For example, in this board game, a tile chip would represent each element which can be pressed by the player. The board game can come with educational cards.

The game may be played without authentication and logging in. In one embodiment, a log in access is required (19). Temporary access may also be granted to guest players. Players can consent to allow the game application to access certain connectivity information for a full functional and seamless play of the game. Such information may include network connectivity, console identity and location, modification of storage content (if necessary), GPS enablement, and SMS (Short Message Service) usage. The log in allows for access to the server for full function and seamless play of the game, keeping track of scores and elements possessed by each player. Game revision updates can be done from time to time. Players' device(s) can be required to allow for updates for full functionality and seamless of play of the game. The account can also have certain credits (whether real or fake money) (8, 27) that the player can possess and access by logging in.

Building blocks for synthesis of compounds are assigned to one or more players. The building blocks are preferably elements (3) of the periodic table (2). The building blocks can also encompass small molecules (for example SO₄) used to synthesize larger molecules. The building blocks can randomly be assigned (35) to players. Or they can be assigned based on each player choosing (32) the building blocks. The same building block may be assigned to different players. Each player can have certain credit to buy building blocks. Some building blocks may require more credits. The building blocks can be assigned as a group to each player, with the elements in each group being compatible for making compounds. The player may have more than one of the same building blocks (31), for example 2 hydrogens, so to be able to make water.

The players can trade the building blocks (12, FIG. 4), for example, the elements. A player may decide for example that the probability of making a compound is higher if it changes certain elements of its portfolio. Or a player may be short on credit and the only option to obtain more credit is to sell one or more elements. The price of the element can be set internally by a bidding market between the players (5, 17). Each element can also have a specified value. The game can include use of real currency to buy credits which are used to buy elements.

In some versions of the game, it is also possible to convert the credits back to real currency. The System can maintain a system of game currency which are called for example “Mule” (Plural—Mules) for denomination of less than One Thousand (1,000); and “Molar” (Plural—Molars) for denomination of One Thousand (1,000) multiples. Scoring is maintained in both System point and System (Game) currency. Player can convert from point to currency or currency to point on a one-to-one conversion basis.

Compounds are virtually synthesized for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player. A program (25) (which can be a software or algorithm or firmware or electronic hardware) that randomly makes compounds based on the building blocks can be used. The synthesis can be completely random (35). More than one compound can be synthesized.

In one embodiment, system can synthesize all possible valid compounds based on assigned or selected building blocks. Player can have the option to choose which synthesized compound [Player] thinks gives [Player] more points, value or money. Alternatively, it can have a bias (22, 32). It can have a complete bias where the player manually tries to synthesize compounds. Or it can have a partial bias where a player limits how the compounds are synthesized. For example, with elements H, O, and S, the player may limit the compounds to those having 3 or more different types of elements (33). With this limit, the program would synthesize H₂SO₄ but not H₂O.

The virtual synthesis can be carried out by matching the combination of elements to already existing compounds in the database. The program can give players more than one option of the synthesis. In this embodiment, the program makes no chemistry or chemical bonding analysis, and picks compounds in the database based on the building blocks assigned to the player. In another embodiment, the virtual synthesis is chemistry dependent, and the program mixes and matches different building blocks to obtain compounds with proper and valid chemical bonding. The program can use a 3D image of the building blocks with proper electron structure to determine which compounds to make. The program can educate students by illustrating the 3D structure and how compounds are formed.

Each compound that is virtually synthesized is given a value (23, 37). The value is added to the player's score (4). It is possible that certain compounds would result in a deduction in score. It is also possible that no compound is formed, so the player's score never increases.

In one embodiment, all the compounds that are formed have the same value. Preferably, each compound has a unique value that is dependent on one or more factors. The value assigned to a synthesized compound can be based on one or more of: atomic weight of the compound, Molecular weight of the compound, complexity of the compound, prevalence of the compound in nature, probability of virtually synthesizing the compound, demand and market worth of compound, application and usage of compound, danger posed to society by the compound. One or more of these factors can be numerically weighted. For example, a higher value would be given to H₂SO₄ versus water (H₂O) as it is less abundant and more complex (3 versus 2 types of elements).

A simple way to give a value to the compounds is by addition of the molecular weight of all the elements in the compound. That value can be adjusted if desired based on the above or other factors.

In one embodiment, the system can virtually synthesize compounds that do not have valid chemical bonding based on the assigned or selected building blocks. Points can be deducted for these compounds. One way to penalize a player (5, 17) is to subtract based on the sum of the atomic weight.

The score of each player is then updated based on the value assigned to the compound. The score is displayed (4) and is updated as the game continues. The game can continue indefinitely, or can end when a certain score is met, time lapses, or a player quits.

The present invention also provides a system (FIG. 2) for playing the game. The system can comprise a dedicated database server having a plurality of compound building blocks (29). A synthesizer (25) accessing a main server (24) can then virtually synthesize compounds for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player. The same or another program can assign a value to each synthesized compound (18), update and display score (4) of each player based on the value assigned to the compound.

The system can include Interactive Graphic User Interface (FIG. 1), plurality of players' interfaces over various Operating Systems (OS) platforms (16), synthesizer (25), authentication of players (19), methodology of game play (26), selection of plurality of elements (21), presentation and submission of plurality of elements (20) and compounds of the periodic table (23), gaming control architecture and logics (49), Arithmetic Logic Unit (18), maintenance and scoring arithmetic logic algorithm (18), element trading interface and platform (28), server containing plurality of players' files, profiles and scores (27), dedicated database server containing plurality of Elements and Synthesized Compounds (29), Platform for textual communication for chats and Short Message Service (SMS) text, alert and notifications (6). The system can have help and forum discussion/social networking links (47, 48).

The building blocks include the elements (3) of the periodic table (2), such as metals, non-metals and metalloids, also known as Poor metals. The Metals include 6 groups of metals, namely: Alkali metals, Alkaline Earth metals, Transition metals, Lanthanoids, Actinoids and Post Transitional Metals. The Alkaline metals include 6 elements, namely with associated its symbol: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Caesium (Cs), and Francium (Fr). The Alkaline Earth metal include 6 elements, namely with its associated symbol: Berylium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Ra). The Transition Metals include 38 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Yttrium (Y), Zirconium (Zr), Niobium (Nb), Molybdenum (Mo), Technetium (Tc), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Hafnium (Hf), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), Rhenium (Re), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Mercury (Hg), Rutherfordium (Rf), Dubnium (Db), Seaborgium (Sg), Bohrium (Bh), Hassium (Hs), Meitnerium (Mt), Darmstadtium (Ds), Roentgenium (Rg), and Copernicium (Cn). The lanthanoid Metals include 15 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodynium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), and Lutetium (Lu). The Actinoid Metals include 15 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Actinium (Ac), Thorium (Th), Protactinium (Pa), Uranium (U), Neptunium (Np), Plutonium (Pu), Americium (Am), Curium (Cu), Berkelium (Bk), Californium (Cf), Einsteinium (Es), Fermium (Fm), Mendelevium (Md), Nobelium (No) and Lawrencium (Lr). The Post Transitional Metals include 11 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Aluminium (Al), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), Tin (Sn), Thallium (Tl), Lead (Pb), Bismuth (Bi), Ununtrium (Uut), Ununquadium (Uuq), Ununpentium (Uup), and Ununhexium (Uuh). The Metalloid will consist of one group of Semi-metals, namely: Metalloids. The Metalloids include 7 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Boron (B), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Tellerium (Te) and Polonium (Po). The Non-Metals include three groups of Non-metals, namely: Noble gases, Halogens and other Non-metals. The Noble Gases include 7 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), Radon (Rn) and Ununoctium (Uuo). The Halogens include 6 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromide (Br), Iodine (I), Astatine (At) and Ununseptium. The Non-Metals include 7 elements, namely with its associated symbols: Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S) and Selenium (Se). The game can rely on these 128 elements as building blocks. Elements can be added to the game as discovered along with its associated symbol, atomic number and molecular weight.

There can be multiple versions of the game, such as a public version, an educational version, and games and entertainment (Casino) version. The public version can provide fun and entertainment for family, friends, colleagues, and peers. The Educational version can provide students and teachers with a fun-full interactive periodic table accompanied with array of research and information on chemical elements, molecules and compounds. It can be designed for in-class instruction with testing capability. It can have the capability option to turn off the research and information during test and examination or at any time during class period. The casino version would be suited for the games and entertainment industry and in conformance with the requirement specifications of the games and entertainment world. The casino version can be incorporated into a gaming machine (such as slot machine) where a player selects building blocks and the machine virtually synthesizes compounds. The player may have to pay credits to buy building blocks. Player can have the option to choose from the possible synthesized compound based on a guess as to which compound is more valuable. With such choice, player may be required to add money into the machine to increase their chances of winning more money. Player may lose money if no valid compound is formed. The player's score fluctuates depending on the compounds synthesized. The player quits or cashes out at the end.

In one embodiment for playing the game, a player logs in (19) to access the game. The player can choose the number of players (17, 5) he or she wants to play against. The player can have an account with credit (real or fake money), which the player can use to buy one or more elements. The player can be assigned the elements randomly or by choice of the player. If random is selected, the program randomly picks periodic table elements. If manual is selected, player picks the elements. The system captures the molecular weight and atomic weight of selected elements. The game can be played in which the player can only choose some of the building blocks, but not all. So for example, the players picks oxygen, and then the system randomly assigns hydrogen. The system can have a program that make the subsequent assignments less random, and on the likelihood of obtaining compounds. The game can have different levels, where at the lowers playing levels, the assignment is made by the system in such way to obtain compounds easily during virtual synthesis, during game play.

FIG. 1 illustrates a player's graphic user interface (1) with a periodic table (2) design. The elements (3) of the periodic table are shown The score (4) of each player (5) is shown. There is a window (6) for player's to communication with each other such as with SMS. There is streaming data (7) on current prices for elements. There is a window (8) that includes a player's element portfolio and credits. There is another window (9) that allows for 3D illustration of elements and combining them in 3D with other elements to research possibility of obtaining compounds. Window (10) illustrates each compound that is synthesized. Window (11) is the virtual market place for the element trade. Button (12) is an element trade button. Tab (47) is for help and tab (48) for link to social media. Button (13) is the start virtual synthesis button. Window (14) guides a player on the choices regarding elements (for example how many elements allowed to choose).

FIG. 2 illustrates a top level diagram of the game system architecture. Player (17) uses a device (16) to play the game. The device can be a smart phone, tablet computer, or personal or laptop computer with any operating system. The device uses a communication network (15) for playing the game. The player is connected to a main server (24). The main server (24) has a program for virtual synthesis (25) of compounds and a game control unit (49). The program can have 3D structure of elements if chemical bonding method is used to virtually synthesize compounds. An arithmetic logic unit (18) (program) having access to the main server is used to calculate the scores for the player by taking the synthesized compound from the main server, performing a calculation, and sending back the score the main server. The game rules (26) (a program) are in a dedicated server that has access to the main server. Program (27) on a dedicated server has the player profiles, including scores and portfolios. Program (28) on a dedicated server has the elements trading marketplace, which includes information on the price of each element and execution of trades. The back end database (29) on a dedicated server has a table of content of elements and their symbols, atomic number, and molecular weight, and any other relevant information about the element. A player can log in where his information is authenticated (19). The system presents the elements (20) of the periodic table as shown in FIG. 1. The system allows for selection of elements (21) randomly or by choice. The player can introduce a bias (22) on how the compounds are synthesized, for example by picking a minimal molecular weight threshold. The system presents the compounds synthesized (23) to the player.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a flow chart that is an overview of playing the game. The player can either be randomly assigned elements (30) or assigned based on player choice (32). In the example provided in FIG. 3, the player is assigned H, H, O, O, O, O, S, Mg, and Cl (31). It is possible to play this game where having an element allows for using that element multiple times in a compound. In the game in FIG. 3, each element cannot be used multiple times, and the player is forced to obtain multiple numbers of the same element. Compound is then synthesized (34) based on these elements. The synthesis can be completely random (35). Or the player limits the synthesis to particular compounds, in this example compounds with 3 different types of elements (33). The system synthesizes the compound sulfuric acid (36), H₂SO₄. The system gives a value to this compound based on a variety of factors (37, 38). The system can synthesize more than one compound. The player score is updated based on this value (39) and player's choice of synthesized compound. The system displays synthesized compound (40) on player's device (16).

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a window that allows for trading elements (3). The symbol (41) of the element is entered, with the action (42) of to buy or sell. The quantity (43) of the element is specified. The player's total account value (44) and player's credit for trade (45), along with total current trade cost or inflow (46) are displayed.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a casino gaming machine. It can have the periodic table of FIG. 1 as an interface. It can either be a touch screen machine or have buttons for selection and execution. It can have a place for putting in money or credit (49) that is convertible to money, or for cashing out money or credit (50).

Also provided in the present invention is a server or a hard drive or other storage medium having a program for virtually synthesizing compounds. 

1. A casino game played on a casino gaming machine, comprising: a) receiving money or credit that is convertible to money from one or more players; b) randomly assigning building blocks for synthesis of compounds to one or more players based on the money or credit received from the player; c) virtually synthesizing compounds for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player; d) assigning a value to each synthesized compound; e) updating and displaying score of each player based on the value assigned to the compound; and allowing the player to add more money or credit, or to cash out money or credit; wherein each step is carried out with a processor.
 2. A method for playing a game comprising: a) randomly assigning building blocks for synthesis of compounds to one or more players; b) virtually synthesizing compounds for each player with the building blocks assigned to the player; c) assigning a value to each synthesized compound; d) updating and displaying score of each player based on the value assigned to the compound; wherein each step is carried out with a processor.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the building blocks are elements of the periodic table.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the value assigned to a synthesized compound is based on one or more of the following: atomic weight of the element, molecular weight of the element, complexity of the compound, prevalence of the compound in nature, probability of virtually synthesizing the compound, Demand and Market worth of compound, Application and usage of compound, danger posed to society by the compound.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the game is played through a communication network.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein each building block has a value, and a player can buy building blocks according to credit allotted to the player.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the synthesis comprises randomly combining the building blocks to obtain compounds.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the player introduces a bias in the synthesis.
 10. The method of claim 2, further comprising a preliminary step of logging into an account on a server to play the game.
 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the game is played with a periodic table graphic interface.
 12. A system for playing a game, comprising: a database on a server having a plurality of compound building blocks; a program(s) accessing the server for virtually synthesizing compounds for each player with the building blocks randomly assigned to the player, for assigning a value to each synthesized compound; and for updating and displaying score of each player based on the value assigned to the compound.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the building blocks are elements of the periodic table.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the value assigned to a synthesized compound is based on one or more of the following: atomic weight of the element, molecular weight of the element, complexity of the compound, prevalence of the compound in nature, probability of virtually synthesizing the compound, Demand and Market worth of compound, Application and usage of compound, danger posed to society by the compound.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the game is played through a communication network.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein each building block has a value, and a player can buy building blocks according to credit allotted to the player.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the synthesis comprises randomly combining the building blocks to obtain compounds.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the player introduces a bias in the synthesis.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the game is played with a periodic table graphic interface. 